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Alleged N27bn fraud: How Taraba ex-Gov, Ishaku told me to run away from EFCC – Witness tells court

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The trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the first prosecution witness, Ismail Lawal, revealed that the ex-governor advised him to go into hiding for six months to avoid interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Testifying before Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Lawal disclosed that Ishaku urged him to evade the anti-graft agency at a crucial point in their investigation.

Ishaku, who is the first defendant in the case, is standing trial alongside Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The duo faces a 15-count charge brought against them by the EFCC, involving criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and the alleged diversion of public funds totaling ₦27 billion.

Speaking under cross-examination by the first defendant’s counsel, P.H. Ogbole, SAN, the witness disclosed that as the EFCC was closing in on him in furtherance of its investigation of the first defendant, he was then advised by the first defendant to run away for six months adding that the Commission arrested him while he was he was planning to submit himself to it.

“I was invited to come to the EFCC and was planning to go before His Excellency asked me to stay out. When he asked me to go, I asked how long and he said six months, but people have gone ahead of me and have given statements against me that they gave me money, so if the EFCC asked me to come and I did not come at that time, meaning they may be suspecting that I took the money,” he said.

He further stated that he was detained by the EFCC for 40 days because he couldn’t meet up with the conditions of the administrative bail. “I was in EFCC detention for 40 days because I couldn’t meet the bail conditions. I was given bail conditions on the second or third day. I also made statements before I was asked to bring sureties”, he said.

The witness also stated that he was in no position to ascertain if the assignments he undertook for the first defendant were legitimate or not, adding that he wouldn’t have carried them out if he knew they were illegitimate.

“I have no knowledge of what was going on in the offices or the communication between His Excellency and the people. My own was to go where I was told to collect money, based on instructions. So I wouldn’t know what the money was meant for. My own was to follow instructions. I wouldn’t have done them if I knew they were illegitimate assignments,” he said.

Testifying further, he said, “The assignment I have been given, I carry out. I wouldn’t know the communication or relationship between the governor and the people whom I was taking the money from. I was only under the assignment which I did. And as a governor, I didn’t believe he was sending me to carry out illegitimate assignments at that time. Mine is just to follow instructions to collect money, pay into accounts and bring the rest to him.”

He further informed the court that the EFCC did not promise or assure him that it will use him as a prosecution witness against the first defendant. “I was not informed that I would be a prosecution witness, until I read it in the dailies, then the EFCC informed me that I will be a witness. I was just asked questions which I answered. Documents were shown to me, I was asked questions based on those documents.

Justice Oriji adjourned the matter till September 30 and October 15 and 20 and November 6, 2025 for continuation of cross-examination and continuation of trial.

Imperative of the battle against impunity

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Baje

 

Quote

“When a leader encourages the culture of impunity, the society is lost and it makes the work harder for the rest of us”
-Prof. Wole Soyinka

One of the bitter facts about striking the delicate balance between criminality and justice is
that if the perpetrators of sundry crimes are either treated with kid gloves, or left
to walk our streets as free men, some others would view such as the best way to go. Unfortunately, from the persisting challenge of insecurity through the reckless squandering of public funds by some favoured political helmsmen to budget padding, crass impunity has remained the middle name of our democratic dispensation, sad to note.

For instance, recently
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), criticized both the Federal and Benue State Governments for consistently failing to prosecute suspects arrested in connection with violent attacks that have resulted in the killing spree in Benue State. In the statement issued under the platform of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), of which he is the Chairman Falana lamented that although hundreds of suspects have been arrested over the years for crimes ranging from illegal possession of firearms to mass killings and kidnapping, most of them are never charged.

To him President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the latest wave of violence in the state is potentially symbolic.He pointed out that previous arrests had not led to convictions or justice for victims. Falana also berated the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for alleging that residents of Yelwata community provided shelter for the killers. He described the statement as an attempt to shift blame onto victims instead of addressing the systemic failures of security and governance.

Such a sordid situation triggers the burning questions. Is the life of the voiceless victims not important to humanity in general and the country in particular? Are the perpetrators of the scary insecurity ravaging the country that has sent hundreds of thousands of innocent souls to their early graves more valued than that of the defenceless citizens? What is so difficult in identifying the sponsors, who arm them to kill fellow citizens and bring them to justice?

It is a similar situation when it comes to profligacy with regards to the way and manner some politicians squander public funds. Only recently there was disagreement between the National Assembly and the BudgIT over the issue of budget padding to the stupendous amount of N6.93 trillion in the 2025 federal government’s budget. Yet, some Nigerian contractors have remained unpaid for about a year! And there are allegations about some of them awarded contracts without going through the fiscal policy relating to the budget. That runs against Section 5 (b) of the Public Procurement Act. That is impunity, is it not? Yes, it is. But the pain in all of these is that the culture of impunity in places high and low has been with us for eons.

As yours truly highlighted through an opinion essay back in April 2017 all the hue and cry that trailed the probe into the $10billion(or is it $16 billion) sleaze in the power sector years back has long suffered from what physicists call the Doppler Effect, or died a Nigerian “natural death”.And as one warned back then that ” was not the first time and it may not likely be the last unless government musters the much needed political will to bring the perpetrators to
book.”.But is the situation any better today? The answer is patently obvious.

These days we read about the humungous amounts, even in dollars found stashed in the private vaults of some former public office holders. From local government council chairmen to senators and governors, it is a recurring ugly decimal of national shame. But some hungry and disenfranchised poor citizens caught for stealing fowls and goats are either sent behind bars or hounded to hell!

It speaks volume about how those in government interpret words such as accountability, probity and transparency. It demeans us all as a people that those vested with the sacred trust of holding the destiny of men and materials of a country as vast as Nigeria are allowed to go Scot-free after committing various heinous crimes against the state. No one talks about the $12 billion Gulf War windfall again because some people are above the law. Not a few former state governors were once paraded by the EFCC as suspected to have siphoned state funds for self-aggrandizement.But years later some of them have the audacity to want to go back to their former offices, or find their ways to the hallowed Red chamber to make laws for you and yours truly. All these happen because of the insidious culture of impunity

As it was between 2015-2023, one is not surprised, therefore, that some corrupt politicians who defected from the PDP to the ruling APC are surreptitiously enjoying some ignoble immunity. It has happened before. All of these make a mockery of our judiciary process. Many of the proceedings are centuries away from the Information Technology and Communication(ICT) age as obsolete type – writers are still used for recording purpose. Series of laughable injunctions take over the well scripted drama of the absurd, characterized by the shameless display of former politicians suspected of grievous financial crimes, raising their hands in bravado as their paid praise worshippers fan their battered and bruised ego.

It is little of a surprise therefore, that virtually all notable institutions of government; from ministries to departments and agencies have in the past years of our democratic experience been probed for one fraud or the other. But after years of turning their searchlight to unveil the rattling skeletons in their cupboards, nothing meaningful comes out of it.
To several of those accused of such financial misdemeanor Nigeria is one big, slumbering elephant to be milked dry. And the easiest way to have a piece of the national cake is to get elected or appointed into any plum political post. But for how long can we go on this way? Not much longer, I dare say.

Corruption, which is a debasement of set moral values and a violation of standard professional ethics is like a two – edged sword that cuts both the victim and the misguided beneficiary. When those who have short changed the system are not brought to speedy justice it emboldens others with similar criminal inclinations to commit worse crimes.

It is responsible, as in the Nigerian politico-economic situation for the countless pot hole – riddled roads, the epileptic power supply, pervasive preventable diseases and mass youth employment that have turned into daylight monsters haunting us all.

As one admonished the then President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in 2017 so I do now to the President Bola Tinubu-led government. To shame all critics he must muster the political will, backed with the enabling laws by the National Assembly to transform both the EFCC and the ICPC into well toothed bulldogs that bark and bite. And no one, no matter his political persuasion, must be above the rule of law. As Isabel Allende aptly stated: ” Nothing is as dangerous as power with impunity”.

Court Jails Man One Year For $5000 Money Laundering in Lagos

Posted on by admin50

 

 

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced one Mbonu Somto to one year imprisonment for money laundering.

Somto was arraigned on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 on a one-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $5000 (Five Thousand United States Dollars) brought against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

*Details later*

Police Oversight: National Assembly Pledges Support For PSC 

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As a two-day workshop on Strengthening Institutional capacity for effective Police oversight began today, Wednesday 2nd July, 2025 in Abuja for Board Members, Directors and Heads of Departments and Units of the Police Service Commission, PSC,the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori Ahmed who declared the workshop open acknowledged the challenges facing Police oversight and the urgent need to enhance institutional frameworks that promote transparency, professionalism and Public trust in law enforcement.

According to the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, Senator Ahmed said that Commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force operates within the highest standards of integrity and service delivery.

 

Ahmed said the theme of the workshop “underscores the critical need for robust, accountable and efficient Policing system in Nigeria”.

 

The Senate Committe Chairman disclosed that the workshop presents a unique opportunity for Board Members, key Management and technical officials of the Commission to engage in capacity building initiatives that will further empower them to carry out their oversight mandate effectively.

Senator Ahmed urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop adding “the knowledge and skills you acquire here will not only enhance your individual competences but will also contribute significantly to the broader goal of transforming Policing in Nigeria.

 

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions, Honourable (Barr) Aliyu Wakili Boya in his goodwill message said Strengthening institutional capacity for effective Police oversight require a multi-faceted approach involving independent oversight bodies such as the Commission, Police Accountability measures and community engagement.

 

Hon. Boya said this includes enhancing the capacity of external oversight bodies, promoting Transparency and accountability within the Police Force, and fostering trust and Cooperation between Police and the Community.

He said Strengthening the Police Service Commission capacity, fostering accountability within the Police and encouraging public participation, “Nigeria can create a law enforcement system that is transparent, accountable and respected by the citizens it serves” adding “as a parliament, we are committed to ensuring the legal support is provided for initiatives that require legislation”.

 

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, in his opening address said in a rapidly evolving security landscape, “the need for robust oversight mechanisms cannot be overstated. According to the PSC Chairman “effective oversight is not just about accountability – it is about building public trust, fostering operational excellence, and ensuring that Policing aligns with democratic values and the rule of law.

 

DIG Argungu noted that while the Commission have made progress in executing our mandate, there are still challenges such as procedural bottlenecks, funding, gaps in legal frameworks and the dynamic nature of Policing demand”.

 

He urged the participants to actively engage in all the sessions, ask critical questions and contribute to the development of practical solutions. ” let us approach this workshop with an open mind, a collaborative spirit and a shared determination to translate discussions into tangible reforms” adding that “as we commence this workshop, let us remember that the ultimate beneficiaries of our efforts are the Nigerian people – who rightfully expect a Police Force that is professional, accountable and human rights-compliant”.

 

DIG Argungu noted that the success of this initiative will be measured by the Commission’s ability to institutionalize the knowledge gained and implement Reforms that enhance public safety and confidence in policing.

 

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Napoleon Enayaba in his goodwill message said ” at the heart of this workshop lies a fundamental principle: that oversight is indispensable to trust. “The Police Service Commission, as Nigeria’s constitutionally mandated civilian oversight body, plays a critical role in ensuring professionalism, transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.”

 

Mr. Enayaba said UNDP’s engagement in the workshop through the supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project, ” is anchored in our broader commitment to people-centred security”

 

He said the Reforms must not only strengthen institutions but must also deliver real improvements in people’s everyday experiences of safety, dignity and justice”.

$7,000 SCAM BUSTED: ZONE 7 POLICE CRACK FRAUDULENT CAR DEAL IN ABUJA

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In a decisive anti-fraud operation, the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, has cracked a suspected criminal case involving a luxury vehicle scam, recovering $7,000 USD from a fraudulent dealer in Abuja.

According to a press release signed by ASP Mohammed Halima, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Zone 7 Headquarters, said that the case stemmed from a petition filed on June 1,0th, 2025, by a complainant who reported being deceived in a vehicle purchase involving a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The luxury SUV had been advertised on Facebook for ₦32 million (approximately $20,000 USD), and the complainant was invited to inspect it at a designated car Stand.

After being told the only issue with the vehicle was a faulty power steering system that would be fixed within a week, the complainant paid a $7,000 USD deposit, based on a mutual agreement that the sum would be refunded if she chose not to proceed with the transaction.

However, after a follow-up inspection by a certified Mercedes-Benz mechanic, it was discovered that the car had major mechanical and electrical defects, far beyond what was initially disclosed. When the buyer demanded a refund, the seller, Mr. Peter Ikechukwu Okorie, and an accomplice identified only as Mr. Paul, refused to return the funds unless the car was resold—without offering a clear timeline.

Acting swiftly on the petition, police detectives led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile invited Mr. Peter Ikechukwu for questioning. During the investigation, he confessed to the fraudulent transaction, and the police successfully recovered the full $7,000 USD.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend Mr. Paul, who remains at large and will face prosecution once arrested.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7, has reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to fighting financial crime and protecting the rights of citizens. He advised the public to exercise due diligence when engaging in online or second-hand vehicle purchases, especially those initiated via social media platforms.

“We will continue to pursue justice and ensure that criminals exploiting unsuspecting buyers are brought to book,” the AIG stated.

“Atiku, David Mark, Secondus, Others Abandon PDP, Back New Coalition to Challenge Tinubu”

Posted on by admin50
  Key leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, ex-Senate President David Mark, and other party bigwigs, are reportedly on their way out of the party. This was disclosed in a communiqué issued shortly after a meeting of Concerned Leaders of the PDP held in Abuja on Tuesday. The top opposition figures had held a closed-door meeting to deliberate on the lingering crisis affecting the main opposition party and the way forward. Former Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), along with other senior figures, were also present at the meeting. The concerned leaders lamented that the All Progressives Congress, APC, government, which “came into being on the false and evil propaganda, to save Nigeria from PDP is now a disaster to our nation and therefore must be voted out of power.” According to them, “all indices of development that support the comfort and quality of lives of the citizens have collapsed, and life is now hell in Nigeria.” The opposition leaders expressed regret that PDP, “which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self,” stressing that “the heatwave unleashed by the APC Federal Government through threats, blackmail and patronage has forced elected officers in government to abandon the PDP.” They called on all well-meaning PDP “members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition.”

BREAKING : Mark, Aregbesola Named Interim Chairman, Secretary of ADC

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A former Senate President, Senator David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have been appointed as the interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress, the coalition platform being positioned against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to multiple reliable sources who were present at the just-concluded meeting on Tuesday night in Abuja but requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak, leaders of the opposition coalition unanimously agreed on Mark and Aregbesola for the roles.

The sources further disclosed that a former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has been appointed as the interim National Publicity Secretary.

The sources further disclosed that the ADC and its newly constituted leadership will be formally unveiled in Abuja tomorrow.

President Tinubu’s administration has seen a mix of achievements and setbacks across several sectors.

Despite this, opposition leaders from multiple parties have consistently criticized the All Progressives Congress-led government, branding it a failure.

Interestingly, the major opposition parties including the PDP, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Social Democratic Party have also been grappling with internal crises.

In a bid to present a formidable front ahead of the 2027 elections, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Ameachi, a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures came together to launch a new coalition during a meeting in Abuja on March 20.

The move ignited a nationwide conversation about the potential impact of a united opposition, with mixed reactions from political analysts and the general public.

After months of speculation over which platform the coalition would adopt, The PUNCH exclusively reported on May 19 that the group had settled on the ADC as its political vehicle.

Subsequent reports by Sunday PUNCH confirmed that Senator Mark has been selected as the coalition’s interim chairman under the ADC platform, with a formal unveiling slated for Wednesday.

One of the sources said Aregbesola who earlier rejected the offer changed his mind and accepted it after he was prevailed upon by the stakeholders.

He stated, “We just concluded a meeting tonight. Mark and Aregbesola have been appointed as the ADC Interim National Chairman and National Secretary.

“This will be officially unveiled tomorrow (Wednesday), so we are on track.”

Another source added, “Atiku and other coalition leaders met tonight and resolved to adopt the ADC as their platform after months of consultations.

“For now, the ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has stepped aside to allow Mark and Aregbesola take over as interim Chairman and Secretary.

“You know Aregbesola rejected it some time ago, but he was prevailed upon by stakeholders, so he has accepted to serve in that capacity. All of this, and more, will be made public tomorrow. Former Minister of Sport, Bolaji will serve as National Publicity Secretary.”

Confirming the development, Kola Ologbondiyan, a former aide to the ex-Senate President and former PDP National Publicity Secretary, announced in a tweet via his verified X account that the ADC has been adopted.

He stated, “African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the political party for the coalition. The party has elected Sen. David Mark as the Interim National chairman and Ogbeni Raud Aregbesola as the interim National Secraetary.”

Man commits suicide after pouring acid on his girlfriend in Lagos

Posted on by admin50

 

A 43-year-old man, Pere Faruk, has reportedly died by suicide shortly after allegedly pouring acid on his girlfriend during a domestic altercation in Lagos.

According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 32025 at No. 8 Messy Street, Lagos Island.

Faruk’s younger brother, Pere Jeli, who resides nearby at No. 9 Igbosere Street, was informed of the incident and immediately raised alarm.

The victim, identified as Kemi Bashiru, was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for severe burns.

Shortly after the attack, Faruk was discovered unresponsive in his room, with a bottle of Sniper insecticide found beside him, suggesting he took his own life.

His body was taken to the hospital and later deposited in a public mortuary for autopsy, while the scene of the incident was documented by responders.

Sources said police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the altercation and its tragic outcome.

 

 

Trump threatens to deport Elon Musk to South Africa

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of deporting billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk following the latter’s vocal criticism of his administration’s flagship spending bill.

Trump made the comments during an impromptu press briefing at the White House, stating that “nothing is off the table” in response to Musk’s recent remarks. The South African-born entrepreneur, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002, had publicly slammed the bill, calling it “reckless” and “a disaster for innovation.”

The president also took a swipe at Musk’s former role as head of the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying that the department may begin a review of the substantial government subsidies received by Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.

“I don’t know. We’ll have to take a look,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if he would consider deporting Musk.

“We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.”

Trump doubled down on the threat when he said he believed Musk was attacking his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” because he was annoyed that it had dropped measures to support electric vehicles (EV).

“He’s losing his EV mandate. He’s very upset about things, but you know, he could lose a lot more than that, I can tell you right now. Elon can lose a lot more than that.”

Trump made similar comments on his Truth Social network late Monday, saying that “without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”

Musk, the world’s richest person, was Trump’s biggest donor in the 2024 election and initially maintained a near constant presence at the newly elected president’s side.

They had an acrimonious public falling out this month over the bill and the tycoon has reprised his criticisms in recent days, accusing Republicans of abandoning efforts to place the United States at the front of the EV and clean energy revolution.

Musk has also renewed his calls for the formation of a new political party called the “America Party” if the bill passed.

 

(AFP)

PSC Extols President Tinubu On Completion And Commissioning Of Roads In Dakibiyu, Jabi.. Says Wike Has Transformed FCT For Good

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission has expressed sincere gratitude and commendation to Mr. President on the Completion and commissioning of roads in Dakibiyu District Jabi in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

 

According to a Statement released by the Commission’s Head, Press And Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON today, officially commissioned the newly constructed collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Street) from Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to Arterial Road N1 and other connecting Roads in Dakibiyu District of Jabi, Abuja.

 

The Commissioning which attracted eminent Nigerians was held along Asuquo Okon Street by the Corporate Headquarters of the Police Service Commission in Jabi Abuja.

 

The Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani who represented the Commission at the ceremony extolled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps in infrastructural development of the country which had suffered several years of neglect.

 

Chief Onyemuche who spoke at the sidelines of the Commissioning ceremony said the PSC is one of the major beneficiaries of the newly constructed road project and will remain eternally grateful to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his decision to rehabilitate the roads around the area.

 

He noted that visitors to the Commission will henceforth enjoy the good road network while settlements around Dakiyibu will be opened up for businesses and other related endeavours.

 

Chief Nnamani called for support for this government as it continues to give Nigerians the dividends of democracy.

 

He noted that the Commission will continue to ensure that the Nigeria Police operates within the law and encouraged to give off their best in the service of the nation.